Services

Danville Regional provides over 25 medical specialties and 14 surgical services to the community. DRMC has the largest, leading-edge surgical capacity in the Dan River Region. We provide a full range of surgeries, including those usually found only at large teaching hospitals.

Whether you are a patient or visitor at Danville Regional Medical Center, we want your experience with us to be as pleasant as possible. We have provided helpful information to help you during your stay or while visiting a patient in the hospital.

Polysomnography

Definition

Polysomnography (PSG) is a study of sleep cycles and sleep behavior. It is usually done in a sleep center overnight. This study involves observing a person at sleep while charting brain waves and other bodily functions.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages or take any sleeping aids before the test.

Bring any medications you are taking. When making the appointment for the sleep study, ask if you should keep taking your medications in the days before the test.

Bring comfortable pajamas and a bathrobe to wear.

Description of Test

You will arrive in the evening. You will be given time to relax in the room where you will sleep. Electrodes will be attached to your head, legs, and chest. Other monitors are placed around your chest, near your nose and mouth, and on your finger. You will be able to read and relax again until your bedtime.

For most of the night, you will be able to move and turn during sleep. However, you may be asked to try to sleep in a certain position for part of the night. You will be observed by video during the night. This will be done in case sensors come loose or need to be removed for you to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, it is clear during the test that you can benefit from an intervention, such as
continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP). This intervention may be started midway through the night.

Your doctor may ask for an additional test for narcolepsy. The test is known as The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). You will need to stay for part of the next day. You will be asked to nap for up to 20 minutes every two hours. The time it takes you to fall asleep and the time it takes you to go into deep sleep will be measured.

After Test

Your sensors will be removed in the morning. In most cases, you will be able to go home.

After the procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10-12 hours

Will It Hurt?

No

Results

Results from this test may be ready right away. If not, then they are most often available within two weeks. Any abnormal breathing or leg movements during sleep will be noted. Your doctor will review the results and discuss them with you.

Call Your Doctor

There should not be side effects or complications from the study. Call your doctor if you have any concerns.

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.